Top Box Options

FloridianRobert

FloridianRobert

New member
All,

I have a black C650GT with the optional BMW rack installed. I purchased a BMW Motorrad soft bag for the rack, but I am finding that it just isn't cutting it. I have looked at several hard top cases including the BMW, Shad (which is BMW's case manufacturer) and Bestem. The trouble I am having is simply making the best selection including color match, size and price. I have it narrowed down to the Shad SH-48 and BMW's case, although I have owned a Bestem on a previous Burgman and it was a decent case for the price. Has anyone purchased a top case and if so, would you recommend it or wish you had purchased something different? It is difficult to match colors from online photos, especially as most of the bike photos with cases are the bronze finish bike and not the black model. I am a fit and finish kind of guy, so I want something that looks like it belongs with the bike, both in size and color. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I did purchase the BMW tunnel bag and it is of poor design to the point I returned it. If you are considering this product, don't waste your money as it is difficult to open (it zips from the wrong side IMHO), prevents you from opening the storage lids and most importantly is extremely loose as you cannot cinch the straps tight enough because the design is off. Just an FYI regarding storage products.....
 
JaimeC

JaimeC

New member
I have the BMW top box (which is made for them by SHAD). I like the convenience of having just ONE key for every lock on the bike. That was the one thing that annoyed me about my old TMAX... the Yamaha trunk (made for them by Givi) required a different key.

The SHAD box is slightly smaller than the TMAX's Givi trunk, but since the scooter itself has almost TWICE the underseat storage, I come out ahead.

Besides, the more storage space you have, the more likely you are to FILL it. Having less space forces you to think about what you actually NEED to carry vs. what you'd LIKE to carry. :p
 
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omniphil

Member
I'm using a Shad 29. ($100) Mostly because I had it from my old scooter. All I added was the shad rear plate for $65. Its not going to be appealing to the fit and finish crowd. Sometimes I wish I had a larger top box, but I'm torn as to what size as I don't want something too larger for the scooter. The 48 liter top cases in my opinion look to wide on the scooter, but I am only going by pictures... It would certainly be alot of space... I really like the SH40 with the cargo rack, that seems perfectly sized for the scooter.
 
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Xian Forbes

Xian Forbes

New member
I am interested in knowing what about the BMW softbag was not cutting it. I have one on my sport and just love it. I did have to secure it with a small bicycle cable and master lock for my own peace of mind. I thought that the softbag was about the same interior space as most hard cases that would fit a single full faced lid.

I totally agree that the tunnel bag offered by bmw is of poor design. I was lucky enough to have been given an S-Line tunnel bag designed for the Tmax which attaches to the fuel door and has enough lateral movement as not to obstruct the glovebox doors on my sport. I can only assume that it would also work just as well on a GT with the different door openings.
 
FloridianRobert

FloridianRobert

New member
Xian Forbes said:
I am interested in knowing what about the BMW softbag was not cutting it. I have one on my sport and just love it. I did have to secure it with a small bicycle cable and master lock for my own peace of mind. I thought that the softbag was about the same interior space as most hard cases that would fit a single full faced lid.

I totally agree that the tunnel bag offered by bmw is of poor design. I was lucky enough to have been given an S-Line tunnel bag designed for the Tmax which attaches to the fuel door and has enough lateral movement as not to obstruct the glovebox doors on my sport. I can only assume that it would also work just as well on a GT with the different door openings.
Click to expand...

Xian,

The lack of "security" is bothersome. I realize that a hard top box isn't Fort Knox, but the bag could so easily be unclipped from the bike and simply carried off aside from all the storage compartments not securing beyond a zipper. Additionally, the rubber trim around the top handle is literally becoming brittle causing small black dust all over the bag. While I live in Tampa, the bike is garaged so the sun should not be affecting this to the point that six months later, the upper handle is crumbling away. Finally, my wife likes to ride pillion and she doesn't feel terribly secure leaning against the bag. It's a decent product, but at the price point BMW wants ($189), this bag should be more durable. Even the "BMW Motorrad" imprinting across the back is peeling off. It isn't a bad product, but I think a hard case makes someone think twice about breaking into it, whereas the bag is just screaming "open me, take me, rob me, steal me"! I like the fact that you thought ahead and installed a cable through it to better secure it, but that is something I don't want to do simply because it would take away from the looks of the bike (certainly no offense to you--security should be first). Hopefully you get where I am going with this. The bag is a decent product as a whole, but it isn't as high quality as I would have expected considering the limited usage it has had. My friend always asks me if I'm going bowling because it looks like a silver bowling ball bag. He's just jealous because he rides a Majesty....... :)
 
FloridianRobert

FloridianRobert

New member
Jaime,

Did you invest in the colored side panels or the inner liner? Thoughts (assuming you did)...?? Thanks for all of your feedback.

Phil,

My first thought was yours as well...the box would look too big. I did notice that the box seems to taper towards the back making it more narrow, but longer giving it extra room. I hate buying crap like this from photos on the internet. I need a "Shad" store close by with a full selection! :)
 
Xian Forbes

Xian Forbes

New member
I totally understand the security issue with a zippered bag. I was in Oakland last night and as soon as I parked I said to the missus...hope we have our stuff when we get back. The little grey cable that I use is almost undetectable being a Planet Bike product meant to secure a seat to the frame on mountain bikes with quick release seat posts. I had the same concerns with the backrest question but so far I've been lucky, she hasn't complained. and Yes it does look like a bowling bag meant for use on the International Space Station. But I kinda like the Starship-C6 look...lol
 
FloridianRobert

FloridianRobert

New member
Damn Jaime, I stared at the photo for thirty seconds and a C650GT appeared...... Seriously, a great looking bike (and Danielle is quite the accessory...)
 
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omniphil

Member
Just to add to this.. I ended up getting a Shad45 top box. Not as wide or spaceship looking as the 48 or 50 and it doesn't look too big on the scooter. Price was also a factor and the Shad45 can be had for $170 on amazon. So for a larger box its pretty reasonable price wise.
 
J

Joeboxer82is

New member
I almost splurge on e OEM topcase but e price of SGD1400 (USD1104) turns me off big time! And come to think about it,e cases are made by Shad?! e prices here in Singapore are ridiculous.. Sigh
 
SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
I use a soft sided cooler that fits perfectly on the passenger seat. Waterproof and carries tons of stuff. Shoulder strap and handles make it easy to carry around; restaurants, etc. Size and light weight makes it not too cumbersome. I bring it in when done riding and keep extra necessities in it. Gives me extra under seat space so I do not have to carry my helmet and has come in handy when I have stopped and bought stuff.

No where near as good as a top case, which adds more "permanent" trunk space and finishes off the bike so nicely, but it will do until you find a top case that is more reasonable.
 
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Joeboxer82is

New member
Finally got myself an SW-Motech Trax topcase at half e price of e OEM BMW's... I think e size is just right for e streamline design of e GT's rear end..
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1395275897.983754.jpg
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Oldscoot

Oldscoot

New member
I've always had good luck with GIVI cases and mounts. They are quality manufactured and well engineered.
 
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